Every day patients are seen for dental emergencies. For a dentist, this is a necessary service and a rewarding experience, to handle someone’s dental emergency and have them leave with a smile and feeling better. Dental emergencies, whenever possible, should be seen the same day to immediately address the problem.
One of a dentist’s primary goals is to help educate patients on the hazards of waiting too long to be seen or ignoring an impending dental problem until extreme pain or severe infection is present. These cases can lead anywhere from tooth loss to hospitalization, and in rare instances, death. In these situations often either root canal therapy or a dental extraction are the only options. What started out as a "twinge" several months ago and could have been restored very simply and affordably with a tooth colored filling or crown now has become a full-blown dental emergency. It is not only more uncomfortable and costly for the patient, but also creates limitations for what we, as dentists, are able to do to restore or save the tooth. In many cases, patients end up in the emergency room due to pain and infection only to be referred to a dentist to have the necessary care they have been avoiding. I often joke with patients (after they are feeling better) that I wish I owned stock in the Orajel company as people resort to these over-the-counter remedies for far too long before seeking professional care.
Avoidance is part of human nature, especially if one has had a previously negative experience. The message I continue to share is that if patients receive preventive care, most emergencies can be avoided all together. In fact, when patients who do not have dental insurance inquire on the best type to purchase, I reiterate my belief that preventive care is the best insurance. In most cases, this allows patients to avoid larger problems all together. This is not only a cost savings for the individual, but can also prevent the type of traumatic situations that lead to more costly elective dental treatment. It’s a vicious cycle, which leads to a poor dental future and the potential for future pain and infection.
If a person is not a regular dental patient but experiences bleeding gums, pain to hot or cold, spontaneous pain, pain on biting, a broken tooth or filling or swelling of the mouth or gums, immediate dental care is needed. Even if the symptoms are managed with over the counter pain medication or are intermittent, these are early warning signs that bigger problems are coming. We, as a team of dental professionals, welcome those who need our services even if they are not regular patients or have never been seen in our office before. We are there to help and do so in a non-judgmental and caring manner. Find a dentist that will try to make every visit as comfortable and pleasant as is possible with the multitude of advancements modern dentistry offers. As dental professionals, we want to make sure your visits are pleasant, comfortable and something that is looked forward to rather than avoided.
Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is a general dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Dental Associates and an Invisalign preferred provider.
Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193
Website: seideldental.com/
Monday, 5 May 2014
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Top Dental Symptoms: Sensitive Teeth
If your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold beverages, you may have sensitive teeth. This can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession. Treatment will depend on the source of sensitivity. If you’re concerned about the sensitivity of your teeth see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment options. Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
Top Dental Symptoms: Mouth Sores
Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193
Friday, 11 April 2014
Smile Big Contest!!
*Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook
Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
Top Dental Symptoms: Toothache
If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Top Dental Symptoms: Jaw Pain or Popping/Clicking in the Jaw
Many things can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gingivitis or problems with your jaw like TMJ. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193
Are x-rays of baby teeth really necessary? By Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo
There are unseen cavities that the dentist cannot find between your child’s teeth without taking x-rays. They are crucial for early detection and the filling of any cavities that may be present. Once a cavity is present it will not go away on its own. These cavities between your child’s teeth start small and will continue to become larger until it makes a visible hole in the tooth. Once this happens, then a simple filling won’t be enough to fix the decay. Now, the tooth may need either a stainless steel crown with nerve treatment or the tooth may need taken out. Prevention is crucial in dentistry and x-rays help the dental professional keep your child’s teeth healthy.
There are different types of x-rays that your child may be exposed to at the dentist. Cavity detection x-rays are also called bitewings and one is taken on both sides of your child’s mouth. These are the most common x-rays that will be taken on a regular basis. As your child grows, we want to make sure their permanent teeth are all present and coming in correctly. The x-ray that shows your chlid’s facial bones and underlying permanent teeth is called a panoramic x-ray. If your child has pain with a specific tooth, then a periapical x-ray will be taken to show the entire tooth from the crown (the part you can see) to the root underneath, along with the developing permanent teeth and surrounding bone. An occlusal x-ray will be taken of the front top or bottom teeth to check and see how much longer it will be until they come out (a panoramic x-ray will also tell you this). Also, periapical or occlusal x-rays can be taken to detect cavities in your child’s front teeth. Your child won’t require x-rays at every visit. Many times, bitewing x-rays are taken on a yearly basis. If your child is more cavity prone then we may take more frequent x-rays until their dental disease is in control.
Most parents are worried about dental x-ray radiation and this fear will prevent them from allowing the above x-rays. At our office, all necessary prevention is taken by draping your child with a lead apron and using the most up-to-date x-ray machine that will emit the least amount of radiation possible in order to obtain an image. Please, if you have any fears, ask your dentist, or dental hygienist. They will be happy to have a conversation with you and address any concerns you may have. Our purpose is always to help your child and maintain their oral health in the best way possible. In order for us to do this then x-rays will be needed.
Remember, it is very important to be helping or monitoring your child when it is time to brush and floss. Older children, who you are confident won’t swallow the liquid, may benefit from a fluoride rinse. Also, make sure your children are getting a cleaning every six months. Our purpose is prevention and early detection of any cavities.
Visit www.colgate.com for further information.
Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo is a pediatric dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Associates.
Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
There are different types of x-rays that your child may be exposed to at the dentist. Cavity detection x-rays are also called bitewings and one is taken on both sides of your child’s mouth. These are the most common x-rays that will be taken on a regular basis. As your child grows, we want to make sure their permanent teeth are all present and coming in correctly. The x-ray that shows your chlid’s facial bones and underlying permanent teeth is called a panoramic x-ray. If your child has pain with a specific tooth, then a periapical x-ray will be taken to show the entire tooth from the crown (the part you can see) to the root underneath, along with the developing permanent teeth and surrounding bone. An occlusal x-ray will be taken of the front top or bottom teeth to check and see how much longer it will be until they come out (a panoramic x-ray will also tell you this). Also, periapical or occlusal x-rays can be taken to detect cavities in your child’s front teeth. Your child won’t require x-rays at every visit. Many times, bitewing x-rays are taken on a yearly basis. If your child is more cavity prone then we may take more frequent x-rays until their dental disease is in control.
Most parents are worried about dental x-ray radiation and this fear will prevent them from allowing the above x-rays. At our office, all necessary prevention is taken by draping your child with a lead apron and using the most up-to-date x-ray machine that will emit the least amount of radiation possible in order to obtain an image. Please, if you have any fears, ask your dentist, or dental hygienist. They will be happy to have a conversation with you and address any concerns you may have. Our purpose is always to help your child and maintain their oral health in the best way possible. In order for us to do this then x-rays will be needed.
Remember, it is very important to be helping or monitoring your child when it is time to brush and floss. Older children, who you are confident won’t swallow the liquid, may benefit from a fluoride rinse. Also, make sure your children are getting a cleaning every six months. Our purpose is prevention and early detection of any cavities.
Visit www.colgate.com for further information.
Dr. Stephanie DeFilippo is a pediatric dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Associates.
Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193
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